One of my former students went on to intern with SpaceX and Tesla, and is now back as a mentor. He came early today and I introduced him to my class. He got a pretty solid reception that might compare favorably to being a pro athlete. The first question he got was about the $.

Many years ago, when our team initially started this website, we hoped it would be understood by those that choose to use it - respectful, shared thoughts and ideas would yield a better FIRST community.

There is a game design philosophy which goes something like: "Understand the difference between challenges and frustrations. Eliminate frustrations. Do not leave frustrations in place and pretend they're challenges."

Remind students that it's okay to take breaks, or even quit the team if they have to. Tell them you won't be disappointed, or upset. Even if students don't end up leaving the team, just knowing that option is available is such a weight off of one's shoulder.